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The differences between data entry assistants and clerical/administrative assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a data entry assistant and a clerical/administrative assistant. Additionally, a data entry assistant has an average salary of $33,251, which is higher than the $30,983 average annual salary of a clerical/administrative assistant.
The top three skills for a data entry assistant include company database, re-enter data and computer system. The most important skills for a clerical/administrative assistant are data entry, word processing, and payroll.
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerical/Administrative Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $33,251 | $30,983 |
| Hourly rate | $15.99 | $14.90 |
| Growth rate | -8% | -8% |
| Number of jobs | 86,989 | 56,261 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 44 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A data entry assistant is responsible for performing data entry procedures, updating customer information, as well as logging business transactions on the company's database accurately and efficiently. Data entry assistants compile and sort documents, escalating incomplete information for verification, and following the business' procedures on disposing and eliminating unnecessary data. They also provide administrative and clerical support on office operations, including assisting visitors on their needs or directing them to the appropriate personnel for their concerns. A data entry assistant maintains a safe and secured database and immediately call for support in case of unauthorized access and system inconsistencies.
An administrative assistant, also known as a secretary or office clerk, is someone who carries out daily clerical and administrative tasks. Admin assistants do a variety of tasks such as answering phone calls, organizing files, maintaining contacts, schedule meetings and appointments, and many more. Their task can be extensive, depending on the needs of operations and higher management. They serve as a gatekeeper of the company, so strong verbal and written communication skills are a must. They should also exhibit great organizational skills and time management since they act as the resource of the company.
Data entry assistants and clerical/administrative assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerical/Administrative Assistant | |
| Average salary | $33,251 | $30,983 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $40,000 | Between $24,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Beaverton, OR | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | ALDI USA | University of California |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between a data entry assistant and a clerical/administrative assistant in terms of educational background:
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerical/Administrative Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | Western Carolina University |
Here are the differences between data entry assistants' and clerical/administrative assistants' demographics:
| Data Entry Assistant | Clerical/Administrative Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 23.1% Female, 76.9% | Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 8.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |